A Sneak Peek At The Next "Acura NSX"

Acura at long last plans to unveil a prototype of its long-awaited next-generation NSX supercar in just four weeks at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

Some quick highlights on the 2013 NSX, shared with us by Acura executives:

• It will be a midengine two-seater, like the original.
• Unlike the earlier NSX, the new Acura performance flagship will feature a V6 hybrid powertrain.
• The new NSX will be similar in proportion to the original car, but with more aggressive styling.

The next-generation NSX is expected to share Honda's new SH-AWD hybrid system with the 2013 successor to the Acura RL sedan. The system mates a high-output V6 engine with a pair of electric motors and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Honda says the V6 hybrid system, which drives all four wheels, will provide "acceleration equivalent to V8 engines," with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder. The NSX prototype that will be shown in Detroit will be an exterior design "buck" only, with no interior. It will ride on five-spoke alloy rims shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires — 255/35ZR19 front and 275/30ZR20 rear. The front end of the new car resembles that of the movie car Acura built for the new Avengers movie currently in production. The prototype features a low nose, low cowl and thin A-pillars, much like the original NSX, but is wider, with edgier styling. Honda's ground-breaking, midengine NSX was built from 1990-2005 and sold in the U.S. under the Acura brand. In 2008, the company killed a proposed front-engine V10 four-wheel-drive supercoupe, ostensibly to rival Lexus' LFA, but a racing version with a 3.4-liter V8, carbon-fiber chassis and rear-wheel drive survived as the HSV-010, winning Japan's Super GT series championship in 2010.